Brown named journalist of the year by South Texas Press

SAN ANTONIO— The South Texas Press Association validated what most already knew—Mike Brown is the best at what he does.

At the 86th annual STPA convention over the weekend, the long-time Rockdale Reporter editor was named Journalist of the Year.

Brown 61, has worked at The Reporter for 38 years and has served under three generations of Cooke publishers, winning dozens of writing awards.

This is the second year the journalist award has been bestowed. It is based on the variety of subjects covered by the writer and includes editorials, hard news, features and columns.

“To say this is well deserved is an understatement,” said Reporter publisher Kathy Cooke-Martin. “Mike is the epitome of what a hard working reporter and editor is and he performs it day-in and day-out.”

The Reporter finished first in three categories and placed in 12 of the 15 categories.

The Reporter was named first for best sports section, best sports photos and was the top special section with its newcomer’s guide, FYI.

Judges called FYI, “a fun piece to read.”

“Sports editor Bill Martin captured his fourth first place award while at The Reporter,” said Cooke-Martin.

Brown and Martin were second in feature pictures.

Staff writer Marie Bakken picked up a third place for feature writing, for her article “Rock House of Ages”, a story about Milano’s old Highway 36 rock house.

“My staff is awesome. Period. They are dedicated and talented and I appreciate every one of them,” Cooke-Martin said.